The Saeima (Latvia's Parliament) has rejected a proposal to make Orthodox Christmas (January 7) a new annual non-working public holiday in Latvia.

The proposal was initiated by Latvia's President, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, last month (20-Dec-2002) and interestingly, the proposal was rejected not due to votes against it (there were none) but because 54 legislators abstained (51 votes are required in the 100-seat chamber).